If you face a drunk driving charge in Philadelphia, a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer from our team at the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC., may be able to help you represent you. We understand how much the consequences of a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction can impact your life.
We could build a solid defense to help you avoid a conviction or reduce the penalties you face. You can reach out to discuss your options and our services with our team at any time. The initial consultation is free.
Pennsylvania DUI Sentences Could Include Jail Time, Fines, and More
Pennsylvania takes drunk and drugged driving seriously. If convicted, you face consequences that could affect your family, your job, and other aspects of your life. According to PennDOT, a first-time offender whose blood alcohol concentration is above the legal limit could receive a sentence that includes:
- Up to six months of probation
- A $300 fine
- Mandatory enrollment in the Alcohol Highway Safety Class
- Alcohol or addiction treatment, if ordered
An administrative license suspension may also occur.
Some People will Face Additional Charges or Increased Penalties
Most first-offense DUIs are ungraded misdemeanors. However, the prosecution may consider an elevated charge if the driver:
- Had a higher blood alcohol content (BAC)
- Has a history of DUIs or related charges
Under some circumstances, drivers could receive additional or enhanced charges and more severe penalties if they hold a commercial license or are under age 21. Those who caused an accident that resulted in serious injuries or fatalities can also expect more severe charges.
For a free legal consultation with a dui defense lawyer serving Philadelphia, call 215.515.3360
A DUI Defense Lawyer Could Help You Reduce the Charges or Penalties You Face in Philadelphia
A DUI defense lawyer on our team in Philadelphia will always fight to have our client’s charges dropped or name cleared when it is reasonable to do so. However, this is not always possible. There are many other options for getting a more favorable outcome in a Philadelphia DUI case, however, including:
- Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD)
- Negotiating a plea deal for a lesser charge
- Agreeing to a reduced sentence
A DUI defense attorney will review the case with you and investigate the circumstances that led up to your arrest. We have a track record of helping thousands of clients get favorable outcomes in their cases during the past decade, including many facing DUI charges.
Once you call, our team can go to work quickly, beginning our investigation within hours and gathering evidence before it disappears. We will provide honest legal advice and develop a defense strategy built on the facts of what happened to you and what led to your arrest. You can count on us to fight for your best interests every step of the way.
Philadelphia DUI Defense Lawyer 215.515.3360
What are the DUI laws in Philadelphia?
Pennsylvania’s legal limit for drunk driving dropped to .08 percent in 2003, based on 2003 Act 24. This new law created three levels of DUI offenses:
- General impairment, which is a BAC of between .08 and .099 percent
- High BAC, including readings between .10 and .159 percent BAC
- Highest BAC, covering BACs of .16 percent and higher
The intent in updating the DUI law was to focus on treatment for first-time offenders instead of punishment, and we may be able to use this to help avoid jail time, extended probation, license suspension, and more. It may be possible to clear your record if you complete ARD, as well.
Factors That will Affect Your Potential Penalties
BAC level, prior offenses, and the unique circumstances of your case all play a role in the consequences you could face if convicted of a DUI. They also affect what programs you may qualify to participate in as offered by the Pennsylvania court system.
Our team can review your options with you based on the details of your case. You can trust our advice and know that we will be by your side throughout the process. One of our DUI defense attorneys in Philadelphia can help you understand what to expect and walk you through all hearings, appearances, and other tasks.
We invite you to connect with a team member from the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC., now to get started. We may be able to represent you in a court appearance or begin our investigation of your case today.
We will get to Work Quickly on Your Philadelphia DUI Case
It can be beneficial to call our team and enlist our help as soon as possible following your arrest. Alternatively, you can connect with us on behalf of a family member. We like to get an early start on investigating DUI cases, whether you were arrested following a traffic stop or after a collision.
Building a solid defense requires gathering evidence to prove what happened and what exact circumstances led to the arrest and accusations against you. We can go to work on your case right away, but we cannot get started until we know about your arrest. As soon as you reach out, a DUI defense lawyer in Philadelphia can begin to discuss:
- The circumstances leading to your arrest
- What happened during and after your arrest
- Your upcoming hearings and court appearances
- Your history of similar offenses
- The possibility of ARD or other programs
Speak with Our Team About Your Philadelphia DUI Defense Today
You can speak with a team member from the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC., today at no cost to your family. We will offer an overview of our services and explain the next steps.
You can get your free consultation by calling (215) 515-3360 now. A DUI defense attorney from our legal team could help you get a favorable outcome in your Philadelphia DUI case.
